China-Africa Trade: What China Imports from Africa and Exports to Africa

China-Africa trade surpassed $280 billion in 2023, making China Africa's largest trading partner. The relationship is highly complementary: China imports raw materials and exports manufactured goods. Here's a breakdown of the major flows.

China's Major Imports from Africa (Raw Materials)

• Crude Oil – China buys over 25% of Africa's oil exports, primarily from Angola, Nigeria, Republic of Congo, and South Sudan.
• Minerals and Ores – Copper (DRC, Zambia), cobalt (DRC), iron ore (South Africa, Sierra Leone), manganese (Gabon, South Africa), chromium (South Africa), and uranium (Niger, Namibia).
• Agricultural Products – Cocoa beans (Ghana, Côte d'Ivoire), coffee (Ethiopia, Uganda, Kenya), cotton (Benin, Burkina Faso, Mali), sesame seeds, cashews, and timber.
• Other Primary Commodities – Natural gas (Mozambique), fish and seafood, leather and hides, and precious stones.

China's Major Exports to Africa (Manufactured Goods)

• Machinery and Equipment – Construction machinery, mining equipment, agricultural machinery, power generators, and industrial tools.
• Vehicles and Transport Equipment – Cars, trucks, buses, motorcycles, and automotive parts (brands like Chery, Geely, Foton, Sinotruk).
• Electronics and Appliances – Smartphones (Transsion brands: Tecno, Infinix, itel), computers, TVs, solar panels, and home appliances.
• Textiles and Apparel – Clothing, footwear, fabrics, and synthetic fibers.
• Pharmaceuticals and Medical Supplies – Generic drugs, vaccines, medical devices, and PPE.
• Consumer Goods – Furniture, ceramics, plastics, toys, cosmetics, and household items.
• Steel and Metal Products – Rebar, structural steel, pipes, and aluminum products.

Evolving Dynamics

China is increasingly investing in African manufacturing (special economic zones in Ethiopia, Nigeria, Egypt) and importing more processed goods. The Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC) and Belt and Road Initiative continue to shape this asymmetric but mutually dependent trade relationship.